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Operations Specialist - Discovery Program

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 4/27/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/27/2025
Description


Are you passionate about shaping the careers of future innovators?


Do you want to ensure the seamless operation of a program that accelerates professional development and fosters strong connections across a mission-driven organization?

Are you energized by finding creative, strategic ways to expand program impact?

If so, we’d love to have you join our team!

We are seeking an Operations Specialist to lead the operations of the Discovery Program, APL’s two-year technical rotational program for select recent graduates. Directly supporting the Discovery Program Leadership Team, you will be the lead coordinator for program initiatives, communications, events, and operations. You will develop a working understanding of the technical work being performed by groups across APL and build relationships with staff across the organization. You will help foster a highly collaborative, fulfilling, and even fun environment for staff.

As the Discovery Program Operations Specialist, you will...
  • Provide operational coordination across all areas of the Discovery Program.
  • Collaborate with Discovery Program supervisors to identify operational priorities, maintain schedules, and establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure program goals are met.
  • Serve as project manager for all Discovery Program-hosted events and activities—from concept to execution and retrospective review – including logistics, communications, space planning, stakeholder engagement, and overall experience design.
  • Support the development and execution of Discovery Program strategy.
  • Assist in writing a variety of communications including, but not limited to, annual updates, executive briefings, candidate materials, and communications to staff. Responsibilities range from content creation to editorial review of program and technical materials.
  • Partner with REDD Operations, the APL Enterprise Service Departments, and external stakeholders to ensure successful execution of efforts.
  • Develop an understanding of internal and external factors that could affect Discovery Program operations and independently generate proposals to provide insight and recommendations to Discovery Program supervisors. Conduct surveys and focus groups and analyze results to inform recommendations.
  • Cultivate Discovery Program culture through proactive staff and alumni engagement, recognition, and community-building initiatives.

Note: This job summary and listing of responsibilities is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.


Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree in business, project management, human resources, communications, organizational development, or a related field. Relevant professional level experience may be substituted.
  • Have at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in project management, logistics, and operational coordination with demonstrated proficiency in overseeing projects.
  • Possess excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize and distill sophisticated technical concepts for broader audiences. Possess exceptional writing and presentation skills and the ability to build compelling briefings.
  • Have strong organizational skills, significant experience with MS Office, to include Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Have a positive attitude, and innovative mindset, and the ability to work well both independently and on teams.
  • Thrive in a dynamic environment and excel at prioritizing numerous concurrent tasks.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You will exceed our minimum requirements if you...
  • Are knowledgeable and experienced with APL business systems and processes.
  • Have technical or engineering background or experience.


About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate

$58,700 Annually

Maximum Rate

$116,000 Annually

Salary : $58,700 - $116,000

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